Personal - Reflections of Loss.

Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man. ~Edward Steichen


A photograph captures a thousand words and can express deeper than words sometimes. 

Photography and Cooking? - Tuesday's Gotta be "Triple Chocolate Cookie" Day.

As an artist and creative, I am never limited to creativity just with the camera. In fact one goal I have this year is to stretch beyond any creativity I may already possess in the photographic arena and to blow into something new. Typically, when thinking creatively I revert into cooking brain and I think I can whip up a cooking analogy for almost anything possible! Having spent years in the kitchen and enjoying the cuisines of several different nations I am familiar with spices, herbs, vegetables, meats, flours, fruits....and on and on. I love stretching out of the bounds of conventional cooking to create everyday gourmet with simplicity and love. Once upon a time "pastry chef" was a vocation calling my name but I have chosen to simply do this out of my home. 

Photography is a lot like cooking (so here is my analogy). There's a timing about everything. One minute to long and you have a dunker, one minute too less and the soft melt-in-your-mouth cookie becomes a doughy mess. To each their own, but I love the cookie that is golden and crisp around the edges and gooey soft (but not underdone) on the inside. So the timing of photography is the very similar. One second to slow your image is blurred - the underdone doughy mess. One second to fast and your image is under exposed - the dunker. Better yet, one second too slow on that candid shot and rather than capturing a heart felt laugh, you get the awkward talking face and if you've ever had to shoot speeches of any sort you know what I mean. I am pretty sure everyone of us has "untagged" those unflattering candid shots that our pals thought would be hilarious to post for the world to see

So timing is everything? I shall continue to navigate these waters, with grace (?), good timing (?) Well I believe so. May you enjoy my treasured cookie recipe that will have them coming back for more and a candid shot that I am particularly fond of. 

Stay tuned for next Tuesday's "Photography and Cooking?"!

Personal/Creative - MO-VEMBER: Bearded is Beautiful.

November, or shall we say MoVember, happens to be a month that I find particularly fascinating. The month where it is okay for men to retire that razor and let that 5 o'clock shadow become something more; something it was always meant to be. A moustache, or for the very risque, a beard. All this, in tribute and recognition of prostate cancer.


One fabulous difference between men and women is the ability to grow facial hair. Now I know that some of you may be thinking, "NOT TRUE!" Not true, meaning, you have encountered that one particular lady who, has the unfortunate demise of growing her own manly facial hair - (Ladies with this struggle I am very sorry, no insult intended) or perhaps you are the unfortunate gentleman that goes unshaven for months at a time and could still be the poster child in an ad for pre-pubescent teenage boys - perhaps priding the odd straggly hair you try to shape into a moustache. 
But...for all you gentlemen with the facial hair genes, I dare you to take advantage of my special MoVember promotion. I want to photograph your whiskery mug for a personal creative project in tribute to prostate cancer. At the end of Mo-Vember, I, with the help of facebook and blogger fans, will choose one Gentlemen to receive a complimentary Lifestyle portrait package, starting value of $350.00. Lifestyle packages to choose from include Family, Couples or Newborn portraits. Your choice. Your Time.
Single Gentlemen, this makes an excellent gift for someone you might know, should you be the lucky hairy man to win. 


Don't wait. Put your razor away now! Happy growing - Ladies, its only a month - and when you are ready, with your fabulous moustache or beard (I am non-discriminating)  - Set up a time for your mug shot! You will be featured in my photo-blog and facebook page.
Please note I can not take credit for this bearded photograph! Which is why I need you!

Photographer Plug - HanaFoto - Calgary Wedding Photographer

Photographers, Maros and Nancy make up the husband and wife team of HanaFoto - High energy and creative photography for Calgary and surrounding area. I had the opportunity to meet Maros in the summer at a photographers coffee meet and after my first visit with him, I was left with a fabulous impression that he is passionate about his work and open to mingling with new faces. I look forward to learning more and share creative ideas with him and his wife as time goes on and as our paths cross again.


HanaFoto has a great promo on right now, check out their blog, add a comment and be entered to win a mini-camcorder! - Just for taking the time to browse their blog. Awesome work and very inspiring for the growing photographer. I too have taken advantage of commenting on the Blog.


Visit their site HanaFoto - http://www.hanafoto.com


All the best to you Maros and Nancy!

Lifestyle Portrait - Genevieve Renee Photographie

Recently engaged, this incredible young woman of beauty and grace has been a special part of my life over the last year. Genevieve never ceases to inspire and encourage me on my own photographic journey. With her own flourishing photography business, Genevieve pushes the limits of her own unique, creative style and sets the bar for young photographers. A wonderful friend and willing teacher, Genevieve will always have a little piece of my heart. All the best to you, Genny, as you enters into an exciting and fun season of wedding planning and photographer hunting for your own special day!

Check out her website! http://www.genevieverenee.com/

Lifestyle Portraits - Ruby-Anne

"Mama, am I pretty? Mama...Am I pretty like you?" Ruby-Anne peers into the mirror with self examination. Her big blue-grey eyes filled with questions of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Ruby is a princess never short of a myriad of animated expressions. You can't help but be drawn into her young world, captivated, as she recounts the events of the day or what she did at gymnastics the night before. One of my most willing subjects to photograph, Ruby is prepared to model for me on any occasion. She has stolen my heart and inspired my eye.